Centenary College Announces Hackettstown High School Scholarship award winner

Centenary College has announced the recipient of the Hackettstown High School student scholarship for the fall semester of 2014 — Marcus Garcia. The scholarship is one of the ongoing partnerships between the institutions.

“This annual scholarship was established in 2007 to recognize and honor one Hackettstown High School student each year who has excelled academically and has demonstrated the qualities that this institution values,” says Dr. Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite, President of Centenary College. “Marcus has such an impressive background with strong academics and extra-curricular management experience that we felt that he was an excellent fit for this opportunity.”

This scholarship covers tuition for one Hackettstown High School student during his or her four-year stay.

Garcia is a resident of Allamuchy and plans to major in Criminal Justice. He would like to work with offenders as a Parole Officer. His cousin inspired him to become interested in this field as he is a Corrections Officer himself.

During his tenure as a high school student, he was a first aid worker for the Appalachian Trail and was an Assistant Group Leader at his previous high school, Saint Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark. As Assistant Group Leader, he acted as a mentor to first year students helping them with the transition to high school. In addition, he served as the Fencing Manager for his high school fencing team. Some of his responsibilities included repairing and building athletic gear and creating a safe environment for events. He also served as Drama Guild Technician from 9th grade through 11th grade, where he trained new students about the technical end of theater and built sets and created audio for various productions.

“Developing leadership skills is a passion of mine,” says Garcia. “When I become a student at Centenary College, I would like to be very involved in the many opportunities that are available. For example, I would like to join the Campus Ministry and become an active member of the Sociology and Criminal Justice. I would even like to start my own club, if possible. One that focuses specifically on the development of leadership techniques.”

The administration at Hackettstown Public Schools are pleased with this seven year partnership and the benefit that it brings to its students.

“The established relationship between Hackettstown Public School and Centenary College is unique and provides excellent career path opportunities for our students, which are not offered often,” says David Mango, Superintendent of Hackettstown and Great Meadows Schools. “Marcus Garcia is a fine selection for the scholarship award based on his résumé and credentials. What impresses me the most about this young man is his vision for his future and his willingness to give back to his community I would also like to thank Centenary College in partnering with Hackettstown Public Schools and congratulate Marcus’ parents on their son’s accomplishment.”